MERIDIAN LIFE Connecting East Mississippi and West Alabama
www . meridianstar . com
EDITOR Bill Graham
ADVERTISING SALES Lisa Webb
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Glenda Sanders
PHOTOGRAPHER Jason Dyess
DESIGNER Inga Bass
Meridian Life is published six times a year .
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Meridian Life can be found online at www . meridianstar . com
Tips for holiday shopping on a budget
For those of us feeling a financial pinch , the holidays can be a time of stress and worry rather than one of happiness and caring . In fact , one of the greatest stresses for most Americans during the holiday season is gift-giving — especially if your list is long . Hopefully , the following tips can help you eliminate some of that stress and enjoy this wonderful time .
Set holiday spending limits . Give your credit card and your mind a holiday by limiting what you buy to Suggest Secret Santa . Secret what can safely come out of your bank Santa is a great way to save money account . Holiday budgeting is a way for a large gathering of friends and / or to set limits on your purchases and still family . Instead of buying gifts for every enjoy the season . adult present , simply
Make a reasonable draw names and buy a list . While Santa has to single gift for a single buy presents for the whole person within a predetermined budget . world , you don ’ t . If your shopping list includes more
Take Advantage of than five people outside
Online Deals . Shopping online can save your immediate family , cut down on the number of you money and time as people on your present list . you comparison shop .
In fact , many loved ones in Don ’ t forget to look for your extended family may free-shipping codes and love nothing more than allow plenty of time for a personal visit from you your gifts to arrive . Many
Ellen Countiss rather than an item that you online stores offer extra purchase . savings and free shipping
Resist the urge to be extravagant . over the Black Friday weekend . Be sure We all just want everyone to be happy to check out the Cyber Monday sales , during the holiday season . In order to as well . make that happen , we sometimes think Plan ahead for next Christmas . You that giving the ultimate gift is what will can make plans now for next year ’ s do it , but it won ’ t . It truly is the thought Christmas to be even less stressful . Most banks can help you set up that counts . Remember to clip coupons . Many automatic transfers from your checking account to a savings account , so department stores mail out coupons or include them in the local newspaper . your saving can be virtually painless These savings can really add up , and throughout the year . it ’ s also important to comparison shop By following these tips , you are for big-ticket items . By doing so , your sure to feel a whole lot merrier this cost savings could be substantial . holiday season .
Ellen Countiss is an Assistant Bank Manager at Citizens National Bank ’ s Downtown Banking Center
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